Chelsea, with their new front three – J P Morgan (yeah, they came up with that shite) and a new manager Xabi Alonso, are visiting us today at Emirates in our first real test of the season. We had an easy win against Coventry, and managed to beat Aston Villa 1-0 at their home turf. Chelsea would be a real test to see how much we have come forward, and whether Arteta will be bold enough to play an attacking game or play with more caution.
We have Timber and Saliba unavailable for today, so Konsa might make his first start today. Ben White should keep his place at RB. MLS hasn’t done anything wrong to lose his place to Zubimendi or Guimaraes, but I won’t be surprised if he sits on the bench for this one. Saka and Tzolis will start, but seeing Havertz starts up front pains me a little. If the rumours are to be believed, Gyokeres is sitting on the bench because of the extra weight he had put after winning the league, but if that’s not so, I would rather see him miss chances than Havertz.
This game is very important, we have to play the next game in the Champions League against Napoli, away from home and we surely would want to travel with a win and some confidence.
Chelsea front 3 has been a success so far for Alonso. Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers have scored 5 goals and 4 assists together in their 2 games. They probably won’t have Caicedo to start today, so that’s a relief. We will have some defensive works to do, and the midfield battle to win. Some of the pundits believe Chelsea will be the one to challenge for the title, but I highly doubt that. These same pundits were shouting for Tottenham last season.
The thing is, we have a lot to do this season. With only 1 proper left winger who is new to the league, and a make shift CF who is preferred over a traditional striker. We will be playing twice every week and there’s not just the Premier League to be won this season. We have eyes on some more – Champions League, Carabao Cup, FA cup. Not dropping points towards the beginning will give us the cushion to rotate and risk resting players when they will need the rest.
Right, that’s me done. I’m hoping for a win today, with a strike from Saka and another one from a defender, Gabriel is my favorite. See you during the game.
#COYG
Sounds like I missed a good match between Everton and ManU (been watching the F1).
Havertz could have a good game today because he’s facing Chelsea, Konsa starts you can’t complain about missing a player when you field a £50 million replacement. Beyond that the pressures on Arteta and a loss would really give Alonson some impetus as he moulds Chelsea into his team.
Almost the biggest question over us today which will run until Jan or Arteta comes up with an unexpected solution is the left forward position. Tzolis cannot play every match and with the PL the most open its been in years Arteta will be expected to become our first manager to retain the league title.
Failure to do so will not be acceptable.
Good to see AMN get a goal after being away from the PL for 3 years.
1-0 within 5 minutes, now this is going to be a real real test for the boys and manager.
Mick J is at the Emirates today – He could start the crowd into singing ‘I cant get no Satisfaction’ especially as one of our major targets has put the opposition in front.
1-1, we are back in the game baby
And it’s ruled out.. we are not back in the game.
That was some good play from us.
Can Havertz play at LB? Calafiori would be a better choice for scoring goals.
Well, Mr Kai, you are the CF and you could have taken a shot atleast. Bring on Gyokeres, enough of this shite.
This will be counted. 1-1, we are back baby.
Emi will be so pissed that he didn’t parry that away…probably surprised that Havertz’s shot was actually on target…I know I was surprised
Ambarish—Germany played him at LB a couple times…I’ve joked on here about the possibility of Cala playing as the number 9…he’s taking over for Rice as the most advanced “defensive” player on the pitch, which isn’t the best but makes inifintely more sense, as he’s a much better passer/finisher
a more open match should favour us, as they’ve got some defensive issues and we typically need way more chances to score the same amount of goals
Skelly’s another one that needs to temper his theatrics…especially considering that he’s a chippy player out there on most nights
who needs
Can see Skelly being taken off at half time our midfield is too porous.
We’re also giving them too much space down our left side.
Havertz is such a clown
Noticed things too predictable ..like non negotiable instructions. Skelly passes preferably to Rice sideways. Don’t know if that is to get his backing.
White only seeks Saka . Once Alonso instructs which way to intercept , that thing will be poof.
Reg our goal #MeToo was surprised it had a direction . Looks like Havertz too was surprised besides TRVL
Havertz time to sing to the crowd ‘ I wanna be your Man’ meanwhile El B is having his 19th nervous breakdown.
tbf JP is a flopping clown too